March 1st Movement in 2025

When is Independence Movement Day?

Also known as March 1st Movement Day, Independence Movement Day is a public holiday in South Korea. It is always celebrated on March 1st.

History of Independence Movement Day

Locally called 'Samil Jeol', Independence Movement day commemorates a nation-wide independence movement which took place in 1919 in protest against colonisation by Japan.

On March 1st 1919 (Samil Jeol means "three-one," signifying the third month, first day), protestors demonstrated against the Japanese occupation which began in 1910, depriving Koreans of many freedoms.

the March 1st movement was a turning point; an estimated two million people took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations and a Declaration of Independence was read at a rally in Seoul.

The demonstrations were met with thousands of arrests and violence. It is estimated that around 15,000 Koreans were injured and around 7,000 were killed.

Independence leaders formed a provisional government abroad.

The date was designated a day of national commemoration in 1946, a year after Korea gained its independence, and became a national holiday in 1949.

How is Independence Movement Day celebrated?

The Day is marked by the reading of the 1919 Declaration of Independence at Pagoda Park in Seoul.